Beaches

#Emeraldcoasting is vacationing on the best beaches in the world.

The Sunshine State has about 1,800 miles of coastline and 1,100 miles of beach – more than any state in the union. Twenty-four miles of this sandy shoreline – some would say the best of the best – are right here at the Heart of Florida's Emerald Coast. The sand here has been described as "shockingly fine" and so clean that it squeaks underfoot. The brilliant emerald-green water of the Gulf of Mexico provides such a contrast with the blue sky above and the white sand below, it's no wonder artists have been painting this stretch of paradise since it was discovered by the Spanish centuries ago. But perhaps one of the most amazing things about our beaches is that the very best belong to you, the beach-loving public.

Preservation on The Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is as beautiful as it is because Mother Nature has gotten a little help from the human element here. The people who call this stretch of paradise home are passionate about preserving our natural assets. You can help.

Florida Coastal Cleanup

The Okaloosa County Environmental Council, a volunteer group of local citizens, organizes two beach cleanups each year. Since 1987, local E-Council citizens have organized more than 30,000 volunteers to remove 100 tons of debris from our beaches.

The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council funds local beach cleanup efforts. As our community’s largest industry, tourism also pays the bills for daily mechanized beach cleaning, a turtle watch program, water quality testing of Choctawhatchee Bay and ongoing beach restoration projects.

Leave Footprints, Not Stuff

Under Okaloosa County Ordinance No. 08-06, it is unlawful for personal property to remain on the beach unattended between midnight and 7:30 a.m. Items left overnight are considered abandoned, and county employees have been directed to remove cabanas, umbrellas, picnic tables, coolers, volleyball nets, hammocks, beach chairs and any other personal articles. By law, items become the property of Okaloosa County and will be disposed of in any legal manner deemed appropriate. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the beach clean for nesting sea turtles, beach maintenance, emergency vehicles and the safety of beachgoers.